Brentford and Derby bosses play down Ryan Woods and Bradley Johnson scuffle

Both midfielders could easily have been issued with their marching orders but referee Andy Davies elected to issue a yellow card to the pair instead of a red

by Tom Moore

22:48, 26 Sep 2017Updated23:44, 26 Sep 2017

Dean Smith and Gary Rowett played down the scuffle between Ryan Woods and Bradley Johnson in Brentford's 1-1 draw with Derby.

Both midfielders could easily have been issued with their marching orders with the Rams man looking to shove the Bees midfielder into the stands and receiving what appeared to be a slap for his troubles, but referee Andy Davies elected to issue a yellow card to the pair instead of a red.

And both managers felt that the official was fair with his decision making in that moment, although neither had seen the incident back.

Rowett said: “It's on the other side of the pitch and a lot of stuff happening. I don't think there was much malice.

Last season: Ryan Woods squares up to Bradley Johnson after being elbowed in the face(Image: Paul Burgman/Press-Photos.com)

“It's interesting as every times a challenge the crowd just shout for everything and it's almost as if every challenge was a bad one and I thought the ref at times made reasonable decisions.

“We don't want to see any player get sent off for showing a bit of passion.”

The Brentford head coach, on the other hand, felt that the referee had to be consistent with the cards.

Smith said: “I've not seen the incident back. I think if Ryan Woods got sent off then a number of others would get sent off as well.”